White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams was shocked when the news broke, believing the Sox had the highest offer. According to Ken Rosenthal, the offer from the Sox was for $250 million for eight years, with vesting options that could've brought the deal to roughly $350 million.

The Padres have been "very aggressive" with their offer to Machado, but he is undecided about going there, reports SNY's Andy Martino. Martino adds that some in Machado's camp are pushing for him to take a shorter-term deal with the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Phillies and White Sox are also in big on him.

Jan. 30, 5:52 PM:

Even though there are several teams interested in Machado with nearly two weeks to go before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, a decision is not considered imminent, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi, and he has not yet met with Padres officials.

Jan. 28, 10:49 AM:

Though the Padres and Braves are reportedly in the mix (along with the Phillies and Yankees), the White Sox remain the frontrunners to sign Machado, while the Phillies remain the favorites to sign Bryce Harper, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Jan 26, 5:07 PM:

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres have expressed interest in arranging a meeting with Machado. They are considering getting some face time with the free agent in his hometown of Miami before becoming more involved.

Jan 25, 2:46 PM:

The Padres are pursuing Machado to play third base and are believed to be legitmate suitors, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. They entered the sweepstakes a week ago when they "checked in" on him after reports surfaced that his pricetag was lower than expected.

Jan. 25, 12:00 PM:

SNY's Andy Martino has heard that the Yankees "offer" to Machado -- or the parameters discussed if not a formal offer -- is "low," but he cannot confirm exact years or money yet. But keep in mind, the Bombers are still in touch with Machado and are not out by any stretch.

Jan. 23, 2:00 PM:

The Padres checked in with Machado on Wednesday, which may qualify San Diego as the "mystery team," according to Fancred's Jon Heyman. The Padres also checked in with Mike Moustakas, Marwin Gonzalez and ... Bryce Harper. Heyman said the Padres' plan is to shoot for 2020, with no word on whether they've made offers to any of the four players.

Jan. 18, 10:20 PM:

Machado met personally with at least one of the unidentified teams in recent days, reports SNYtv's Andy Martino. The All-Star will go to the highest bidder, period, says Martino.

Jan. 17, 8:01 AM:

Machado's agent, Dan Lozano, came out firing at ESPN's Buster Olney and USA Today's Bob Nightengale for what he said was "reckless" and "inaccurate" reporting regarding their claim that the White Sox had a seven-year offer for $175 million out to Machado, saying "the truth is that their reports on the details of the White Sox level of interest in Manny are completely wrong."

Jan. 16, 12:19 PM:

The White Sox offered Machado $175 million over seven years, reports ESPN's Buster Olney. According to Olney, Chicago's approach is like Boston's with J.D. Martinez last offseason. The Red Sox offered $100 million to Martinez and waited two months.

Jan. 13, 10:43 PM:

The White Sox have an eight-year offer on the table for Machado, who is also still in contact with the Phillies and a "mystery team," reports ESPN's Jeff Passan. According to Passan, the willingness of interested teams to offer $300 million or more for Machado or fellow free agent Bryce Harper (whose strongest suitors could be the Phillies and Nationals)is not yet known.

Jan. 13, 1:44 PM:

The Phillies have "emerged as the clear-cut favorite" to signHarper, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. And Harper winding up in Philly could have a ripple effect on the Machado market. While the Phillies haven't ruled out the potential of signing both Harper and Machado, Nightengale believes Machado will wind up with the White Sox.

According to Breen, the Phillies will be finalists for Machado and Harper and will most likely be making the most lucrative offers for both.

Jan. 9, 8:40 PM:

The Yankees have been the least aggressive team of the three suitors, but ZDeportes' Hector Gomez reported the Bombers are entirely out of the race. That would leave the Phillies and White Sox as the two teams vying for the five-time All-Star.

Though SNY's Andy Martino says the Yankees haven't been engaged with Machado since New Years, he won't write them off just yet. He notes that GM Brian Cashman usually strikes with his official offer aggressively, and it comes very fast. It may not look good for Yankees fans right now, but all hope isn't lost just yet

Jan 9, 2:43 PM:

Machado is still seeking a $300 million deal but the White Sox and Phillies are not believed to be close, per Jon Heyman of Fancred. Heyman re-confirms previous reports that Yankees have not made an official offer yet, although they are preferred destination.

The Yankees continue to be tentative with Machado, and according to The Post's Ken Davidoff, the team actually hasn't made an official offer to him yet. The White Sox and Phillies -- the two teams that are being more aggressive in their pursuits -- have made official offers. Philadelphia is even working on a second offer to throw Machado's way.

USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale points out that the Yankees could be looking to gauge Miguel Andujar's trade market, which is why they aren't making as hard a push at Machado compared to their competition. But they are definitely the least aggressive team despite reports that Machado would prefer the Bronx if the offers were close.

Jan. 3, 5:26 PM:

The White Sox have reportedly made an official offer to Machado, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale. Nightengale reports it as a "serious offer," but it is "likely closer to $200 million than $300 million."

Dec. 26, 6:45 PM:

According to The Post's Joel Sherman, neither Bryce Harper or Machado "particularily likes Philadelphia." Instead, they both prefer the Yankees. Obviously, Harper hasn't been on the Yankees' radar, but if it's true for Machado, it would go with the update below that said Machado reportedly told his friends he preferred the Yankees. The decision still won't come until the new year, but the Yankees continue to appear the frontrunner if the deals are close.

Dec. 21, 4:18 PM:

Machado is finished with his meetings with the Yankees, Phillies, and White Sox, but a decision won't be made until after the new year, Fancred Sports' Jon Heyman reports. He has let all three teams know that will be the case.

The White Sox are meeting with Machado in Chicago on Monday, though Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Sox aren't interested in signing Machado or Bryce Harper to a record-setting deal.

Dec. 14, 11:20 AM:

The Phillies, one of the Yankees' biggest competitors for Machado, scheduled a visit with Machado next week in Philadelphia, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale.

Dec. 13, 1:55 PM:

Neither the Angels or Giants are expected to be a mystery team for Machado due to the fact that they're not willing to give him a 10-year deal, reports The Athletic's Jim Bowden, citing multiple sources.

Dec. 12, 9:07 PM:

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said the team is a "fully operational Death Star," suggesting that while they might not be in on Machado and/or Bryce Harper that they have the ability to pivot at any moment depending on their current needs.

The Cardinals' offense was too potent for the Yankees on Thursday afternoon, as the Bombers fell 11-3 to St. Louis.>> Box Score

Things to know about Thursday's game...

1)Domingo German got the start today, and it was one he'd like to re-do. He allowed six hits -- three of them homers -- for a total five earned runs over 3.2 innings. He did strike out four hitters, but his ERA rose to 4.11.

How the Steinbrenner Yankees have morphed into the Cashman Yankees

Things have changed in a big way since the George Steinbrenner Era

Long-time Yankees GM Brian Cashman is not merely working within the new mold of roster construction in baseball as he guides the Bombers. Instead, Cashman has been facilitating its creation -- and the groundwork goes back longer than one might think.

Within an excerpt from a new book (published in the NY Post), "Inside the Empire: The True Power Behind the New York Yankees," written by Bob Klapisch and Paul Solotaroff, we got a glimpse into the discussions leading up to the deal that brought Giancarlo Stanton to the Yanks. Klapisch and Solotaroff also paint the picture of what general managers strive to highlight in the new age of building rosters -- youthful dominance -- and how Cashman has been able to alter the club's methodology.

An aspect that might go unnoticed among the casual fan is that Cashman and the Yankees were working the youth angle well before what some believe to be the start -- the "sell-off" leading up to missing the 2016 postseason. That summer, the Yankees replenished a middling farm system and boosted the minor league organization's status to among the best in the game. But the basis for the current core was already established...

Yankees' Greg Bird scratched, will undergo X-rays on elbow

Bird hit by pitch on elbow on Wednesday

New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird heads into the dugout before a spring training game against the Houston Astros at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)

Yankees first baseman Greg Bird was scratched from Thursday's lineup so he could undergo X-rays on his elbow after he was hit by a pitch in Wednesday's game, according to The Athletic's Lindsey Adler.

Bird, who has been competing with Luke Voit for the Yankees' starting first baseman job this spring training, is traveling back to Tampa even though he said he was OK after Wednesday's game.

Manager Aaron Boone said he thought Bird could have played but sent him back for precautionary measures, adding he was worried that Bird playing through soreness could affect his mechanics, according to Adler. Yankees GM Brian Cashman expects Bird to be day-to-day, telling Adler the X-rays are "routine."

Ichiro Suzuki walked off the field Thursday for the last time as a player, ending a Hall-of-Fame career that began in 2001 -- including a stint with the Yankees and a period spent pestering the Mets as a member of the Marlins. And while he was one of the best hitters ever, he also gave some of the best and funniest quotes ever. Here is a sampling...

'Who the f*ck is Tom Brady?'

In 2017, Ichiro received a text message from a number he didn't know. The number belonged to Tom Brady, who had gotten it from Alex Rodriguez and wanted to talk to Ichiro about his stretching regimen. When one of the coaches asked Ichiro who had texted him, his response was perfect: 'Some guy named Tom Brady. Who the f- is Tom Brady?'

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WATCH: Former Yankee Ichiro gets sendoff as he enters retirement

Ichiro retires after Mariners-A's game in Japan

10:28AM

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Mar 21, 2019; Tokyo,JPN; Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) tips his cap after being removed from the game during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports (Darren Yamashita)

Former Yankees outfielder and Mariners legend Ichiro Suziki retired after Thursday's game in Japan, the Mariners announced in a statement.

"I have achieved so many of my dreams in baseball, both in my career in Japan and, since 2001, in Major League Baseball," Ichiro said in a statement. "I am honored to end my big league career where it started, with Seattle, and think it is fitting that my last games as a professional were played in my home country of Japan."

Ichiro, 45, played in only 15 games last year before he stopped playing, only to return for Seattle's two-game regular-season series at Tokyo Dome. He went 0-for-4 on Thursday before he was removed from the game, leaving the field to a standing ovation.

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Domingo German, Yankees face Cardinals as spring training winds down

Andujar at DH, Torres at 2B

10:33AM

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

Domingo German takes the mound as the Yankees face the St. Louis Cardinals in a Grapefruit League game on Thursday at 1 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium.

Yankees notes

Outfielder Aaron Judge leads the Yankees with six home runs and 15 RBIs this spring. ... Matt Lipka and Billy Burns are in a tie for second on the team in stolen bases (four), trailing only Estevan Florial (five).

Voit starts at first, Bird at DH as two compete for 1B job

Mar 20 | 12:00PM

New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird doubles during the third inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The Yankees head to West Palm Beach to take on the Astros on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m.

Yankees notes

The Yankees continue their experiment with using an opener as Jonathan Holder gets the start. ... Both Luke Voit and Greg Bird are in the lineup as their battle to be the starting first baseman continues. ... Clint Frazier starts in right field a day after starting in left. ... Gary Sanchez is behind the plate for the second straight day.

As his free agency dragged into mid-March, Gio Gonzalez chose the Yankees because, well, he had nowhere else to go.

The veteran lefty told reporters Wedneday morning that the deal he accepted with the Yankees is the only offer he received. Gonzalez's one-year, minor-league deal carries a base salary of $3 million and he can earn $300,000 for every MLB start, with a maximum possible value of $12 million.

"They gave me something I couldn't turn down," Gonzalez said, per MLB.com. "I was like, 'Let's do this. Let's go to work.' I can't be ungrateful. This is a pretty great opportunity."

The two players, who are both eligible for free agency after the season, were thought to be next in line for extensions after the Yankees struck team-friendly deals with Luis Severino and Aaron Hicks at the start of Spring Training.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday the reliever will begin the season on the Injured List. Betances struggled with his fastball velocity throughout camp, and he was officially diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement and inflammation after undergoing an MRI.

His rehab will consist of anti-inflammatory medicine and rest. He will be shut down from throwing for at least three days.

Yankees takeaways from Tuesday's 6-2 win over Rays

Yankees' power bats led the way at the dish, while Cessa stayed hot

Mar 19, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a run in the third inning of the spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports (Jonathan Dyer)

Luis Cessa was stellar once again while Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez lead the Yankees to another Spring Training win in a 6-2 victory over the Rays. >> Box Score

Things to know about Tuesday's game...

1) The Yankees decided to experiment with an opener against the team that lived by them all last season. Chad Green did allow one run on two hits while striking out one before handing the ball over.

Aaron Hicks declares himself pain-free, but still dealing with 'chronic' back issues

Outfielder will miss Opening Day, next test is swinging

Mar 19 | 2:57PM

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Oct 9, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts hitting a pop out during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2018 ALDS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Aaron Hicks had a second cortisone shot in his back over the weekend, and he declared himself pain-free Tuesday.

The next step for the outfielder, who has already ruled himself out for Opening Day next week, told reporters the next step in his rehab process will be to take swings without any pain.

After Hicks' first cortisone shot, the pain dissipated but returned when he started taking cuts again. This time around, he wants to be sure that same issue won't repeat itself.

So now we know Mike Trout, baseball's first $400 million man, almost certainly won't ever be bringing his talents to the Bronx, and in a sort-of-related matter, Aaron Judge is currently sporting a rather insane 1.061 slugging percentage in the Grapefruit League, hitting extra-base rockets all over Florida.

Mike Trout is rich after signing long-term with Angels, but he'll never be famous

More accomplished than Harper or Judge, Trout chooses lucrative anonymity

On the morning after Derek Jeter announced his retirement during spring training of 2014, I happened to be in Angels camp in Tempe, Arizona. At that time, a manufactured storyline was going around that Mike Trout could replace Jeter as the "face of baseball."

As Trout fielded questions about this topic, he was affable, engaging -- and clearly uninterested in being anything other than a great ballplayer for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was more goofy younger brother than international celebrity, and that seemed fine.

Yankees won't get chance to lure Mike Trout, who has agreed to massive extension with Angels

Trout had been set to hit free agency after the 2020 season

The Yankees missed out on a chance to sign Mike Trout, but their recent trend of saving their money could signal an Aaron Judge deal.

The Yankees passed on signing Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, and never got the chance to lure Nolan Arenado to the Bronx. They're also not going to have a chance to pitch the best player in baseball on the idea of putting on the Pinstripes.

Mike Trout, who had been due to hit the free agent market after the 2020 season, has agreed to a 12-year deal worth $430 million to remain with the Angels, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN.

His deal averages out to $35.83 million, and eclipses Harper's as the biggest in the history of North American sports.

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Details of Yankees' deal with Gio Gonzalez, who could make millions in incentives

Deal includes $3 million base that could turn into $12 million: report

Nearing a Minor League deal with the club, the left-hander will have a base salary of $3 million. After that, he can earn $300,000 per start, with a maximum total of $12 million this season, per Jon Heyman.

The Yankees will face the Rays on Tuesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.

Yankees notes

Chad Green gets the start as the Yankees experiment with using an opener. ... For the second straight day, the Yankees are rolling out a typical top-four of the lineup, with Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez getting things started. ... Clint Frazier starts in left field, while Greg Bird gets the nod at first base.

The Yankees will be without Aaron Hicks for at least the opening series of the regular season due to back stiffness that has required two cortisone shots. With back issues, reducing the pain while getting up to game speed is difficult and can often linger well beyond the original diagnosis.

The Yankees will have to make a decision on who will take the newly vacant roster spot and they have two choices: Clint Frazier or Tyler Wade.

The Rays were one of the teams at the forefront of the "opener" phenomenon in baseball, in which a reliever starts the game and gives way to a parade of relievers the remainder of the contest.

On Tuesday, the Yankees will use the tactic against Tampa Bay in a Spring Training exhibition at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Reliever Chad Green will start for New York, while Luis Cessa, who normally operates as a starter, will be available out of the bullpen.

Green was a starter during his junior season at Louisville in 2013 and for his first three seasons in the Minor Leagues. The right-hander has made nine starts for the Yankees in his career. Meanwhile, Cessa has started 19 games, with 24 relief appearances.

Yankees prospect Estevan Florial will wear a cast for "a few weeks," according to Aaron Boone, after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his right wrist during Saturday's game.

An MRI revealed that there is more damage than initially known from X-rays, but it won't affect Florial's timetable.

"He had a second little fracture in there, which, in the grand scheme of things, is inconsequential because it heals along with the other one," Boone told reporters on Monday. "It's very similar. It should be - I think from a prognosis, it's very similar from what we anticipated, after getting all the images and after seeing the hand specialist."

Mar 18 | 5:47PM

The question surrounding Jacoby Ellsbury for some time now has been will he ever play for the Yankees again?

But with Ellsbury finally healthy enough for some baseball activities and reporting to Yankees camp, the question has actually become when will he play for the Yankees again?

"As far as a timeline of when I'll be playing, we're not sure yet," Ellsbury told reporters on Monday. "But definitely headed in the right direction."

The 35-year-old missed the entire 2018 season because of injuries. He initially suffered an oblique strain in spring training last year and while rehabbing suffered a hip injury. After undergoing hip surgery in August, an old plantar fasciitis issue resurfaced and delayed his 2019 return.

Yankees' Dellin Betances working on building arm strength back up

Betances' fastball tops out at 92 mph in Sunday's game

Mar 17 | 11:21PM

New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is hopeful RHP Dellin Betances can build his arm strength back up with a week and a half remaining until Opening Day.

"I do think he's healthy and fine, it just taking him a while to find the arm strength," Boone said, according to the New York Daily News' Kristie Ackert, after Betances pitched in a Grapefruit League game Sunday for the first time in a week. "Talking to him again today, he kind of said it feels akin to what he feels basically every spring training early, but just hasn't broken through yet. He was efficient with his pitches, threw strikes today. Had a nice, easy inning. Hopefully this next week,10 days he can start to find that arm strength and build on it a little bit."

But Hicks' injury has left manager Aaron Boone and Yankees management with a conundrum regarding the entire construction of the roster.

Several factors will play into who ultimately sees the bulk of reps in Hicks' absence, including how many pitchers the team decides to roster on Opening Day and whether Clint Frazier and Tyler Wade are worthy of possibly seeing significant playing time in the outfield, according to George A. King III of the New York Post.

Yankees Takeaways from Sunday's 7-3 win over the Phillies

Troy Tulowitzki goes yard, James Paxton turns in another strong start

By Chris Bumbaca | Mar 17 | 4:12PM

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Mar 17, 2019; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher James Paxton (65) throws a pitch in the first inning of the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports (Jonathan Dyer)

The Yankees' offense stayed hot with three home runs and New York pulled away late to secure a 7-3 victory over the Phillies on Sunday at Spectrum Field in Clearwater. >> Box Score

Five things to know from Sunday's game

1. James Paxton turned in 4 1/3 hitless innings, but allowed one earned run on two walks with four strikeouts. The lefty lowered his Grapefruit League ERA to 1.54.

The Yankees' interest in free agent pitcher Gio Gonzalez has evolved into an offer, but a gap still remains between the two sides, according to Jon Heyman.

While the two sides remain apart, Heyman added there remains optimism a deal could still get done.

Gonzalez, 33, is one of the top remaining free agents available with less than two weeks until the start of the season and would give the Yankees some depth as they prepare to begin the season with ace Luis Severino on the injured list.

The Yankees split up on Sunday and have a good chunk of their major-league talent going against Jerad Eickhoff and the Phillies at 1:05 p.m. in Clearwater, Fla.

Yankees notes

Greg Bird will bat third and get the start at first base against the Phillies as he carries a .344/.488/.542 spring slash line while he makes his case to be on the Opening Day roster. ... DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki will bat 1-2 while Gleyber Torres and Gary Sanchez are the other Yankees' regulars in the split-squad game.

Luke Voit and Yankees (SS) face Orioles on Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Andujar, Voit, Frazier in split-squad lineup vs. O's

Mar 17 | 10:10AM

New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit hits a three-run home run during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

The other half of the Yankees split squad head to Sarasota, Fla. on Sunday to take on the Orioles at 1:05 p.m.

Yankees notes

Luke Voit will bat third and play first base while his competition does the same in the Yankees' other split-squad game. Voit has been productive so far, hitting .286/.394/.536 with two home runs and eight RBI in 33 plate appearances. ... Miguel Andujar returns to the lineup after getting Saturday off and Clint Frazier is batting cleanup.

Yankees' Aaron Hicks says he will miss Opening Day

Outfielder has been battling a sore lower back all spring

Mar 17 | 10:10AM

New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks has officially declared himself out for Opening Day.

The 29-year-old told ESPN's Coley Harvey that he received a second cortisone shot for his lower back injury on Sunday but expects to return for the Bombers' second series against the Tigers on April 1.

GM Brian Cashman cast doubt on the possibility of Hicks being ready by Opening Day on Friday, saying that the outfielder would probably need some more at-bats before he can re-join the team by then.

CC Sabathia took the next step toward a return to the Yankees' rotation on Saturday, throwing his first simulated game of the spring after previously having thrown bullpen sessions.

Sabathia is working his way back from a heart procedure and knee surgery. He won't be ready for Opening Day -- and must serve a five-game suspension to begin the season -- but his trajectory seems to put him in line for a mid-April return.

Estevan Florial, ranked as the Yankees' top prospect by MLB Pipeline entering 2019, suffered a non-displaced right wrist fracture on Saturday, as revealed by X-rays, according to the Yankees. Florial was sent for X-rays after a hard collision with the outfield wall during Saturday's game.

Aaron Boone initially described the X-rays as precautionary. The Yankees said Florial will undergo further testing on Monday.

Yankees Takeaways from Saturday's 17-7 win over Blue Jays

Aaron Judge does it again with sixth home run of spring

By John Healy | Mar 15 | 4:19PM

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New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Butch Dill/USA TODAY Sports)

The Yankees displayed their power for the second straight day, bursting for 17 runs in a 17-7 win over the Blue Jays on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. >> Box Score

Five things to know about Saturday's game...

1)Aaron Judge is absolutely locked in at the plate. The Yankees' slugger crushed his sixth home run of the spring -- which leads the majors in Spring Training - and did it while the Blue Jays aligned their outfield with four outfielders. He finished 1-for-2.

WATCH: Yankees' Aaron Judge no match for Blue Jays' four outfielders

The slugger found an easy way to combat the unusual alignment

Mar 16 | 1:27PM

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Mar 3, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports (Butch Dill)

The Toronto Blue Jays tried to get creative to slow down Aaron Judge on Saturday by using four outfielders in their defensive alignment.

It turns out it does not really matter how many outfielders you use when the Yankees' slugger is at the plate.

Judge responded by hitting a towering shot over the wall that left the premise of George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday.

J.A. Happ and Yankees take on Blue Jays on Saturday at 1:05 p.m.

Aaron Judge is tied for league-lead in home runs this spring

Mar 16 | 10:04AM

New York Yankees starting pitcher J.A. Happ works out during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

J.A. Happ toes the rubber for the Yankees as they face Thomas Pannone and the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Yankees notes

Aaron Judge hit his team-leading fifth home run on Friday, which is also tied for the league this spring, and is hitting .321 (9-for-28) with a 1.406 .OPS this spring. ... Clint Frazier is back in the lineup batting seventh as he tries to make his case for the team but is hitting just .167 (5-for-30) with two extra-base hits.

As the Yankees ponder whether to fill the early-season holes left by Luis Severino and CC Sabathia with in-house options or to add a veteran starter, they're linked with one free agent in particular.

Jon Heyman reported Friday that the Yankees "maintain some interest" in lefty Gio Gonzalez, though there are no signs that a deal is imminent.

Severino will miss the first month of the season with rotator cuff inflammation while the start of Sabathia's season will be slightly delayed because of a five-game suspension he has to serve and his recovery from a heart procedure and knee surgery.

Many wondered all offseason if the Yankees were going to pony up to sign either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, and CC Sabathia admitted there was a degree of surprise that the Yanks didn't add one of the stars. But ultimately, Sabathia believes the Yanks will be just fine without them.

"A little bit (surprised,) but we didn't need either one of them," Sabathia said on WFAN's CMB program Friday. "We've got a really good right fielder, we've got a really, really good third baseman. So I think we're fine. I think if we needed those guys it'd be a different story, but I think our team is set the way it is. It's good."

Yankees Takeaways from Friday's 14-1 win over Red Sox

Aaron Judge blasts fifth home run of spring

By John Healy | Mar 15 | 4:19PM

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Mar 3, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports (Butch Dill)

The Yankees' bats exploded on Friday in a 14-1 win over the Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. >> Box Score

Five things to know about Friday's game...

1)Aaron Judge seems ready for Opening Day. The Yankees slugger smashed his fifth home run of Spring Training, a three-run shot to right-center field, and finished the day 2-for-2 with a double.

Domingo German, Yankees take on Hector Valezquez, Red Sox

Voit and Bird both in lineup for Yankees

Mar 15 | 10:38AM

New York Yankees relief pitcher Domingo German throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dunedin Stadium. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)

Domingo German and the Yankees face Hector Velazquez and the Boston Red Sox in a Grapefruit League game on Friday at 1:05 p.m. at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Yankees notes

Aaron Judge leads the Yankees with four home runs in spring training. ... Both Luke Voit and Greg Bird have thrived this spring as they battle for a spot on the 25-man roster. Voit has a .280/.400/.520 batting line with two home runs and six RBIs in 10 games, while Bird is slashing .357/.471/.571 with one home run and six RBIs in 12 games.

Breaking down the Yankees' bench options for 2019

The Bombers have plenty of options to turn to with a deep bench

New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu catches a ball thrown from home plate in a steal drill during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. (Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports)

When we think of a club's overall success, it typically and rightfully relies upon the performance of the starters. However, the production from the bench players is of great importance understanding there will be injuries and performance issues along the way.

The Yankees have a couple of players considered locks to make the Opening Day roster as bench options, a handful of potential choices for the final spot on the bench and a long shot to be among the reserves late in the season.